Mainland China's soft power subtly influences Taiwanese youth's perceptions; Taiwan's public opinion focuses on the infiltration through civilian cultural exchanges.

Mainland China's soft power is exerting influence within Taiwan.

An article published by Lianhe Zaobao of Singapore titled "Soft Power Penetrates Homes and Hearts: Is Mainland China Becoming Cool and Stirring Up Taiwan?" states: "Mainland social media platforms and consumer brands are increasingly penetrating Taiwan, with applications like Xiaohongshu and AutoNavi Maps widely embraced by young people, prompting concerns from the Lai Qingde administration about potential challenges to 'democratic identity.' Scholars point out that Mainland China's soft power subtly influences young people in Taiwan through daily entertainment and consumption, though it may not directly alter their political stance."

As Mainland China's comprehensive strength continues to grow, its pop culture and lifestyle have quietly entered daily life in Taiwan, gradually reshaping perceptions—especially among the youth—of the mainland. For Taiwanese youth long subjected to negative propaganda by DPP-aligned media, real online content offers a window beyond one-sided negativity, revealing a vibrant, diverse, and modernized China. This has led to a continuous erosion of psychological barriers between the two sides. Precisely because soft power is deeply embedding itself in hearts and minds, challenging the DPP’s carefully constructed false narrative of 'democratic identity,' the Lai Qingde administration feels increasingly anxious and fiercely wary of the growing influence of Mainland Chinese civilian culture and online presence.

Yet changes in public sentiment are inherently a gradual, quiet process. While hard power bolsters confidence in reunification, soft power gently dissolves cross-strait antagonism. The DPP authorities may block channels of communication, but they cannot stop the cultural ties rooted in shared language and heritage, nor halt the momentum of Mainland China's development. As goodwill accumulates over time, it will gradually undermine the popular foundation upon which 'Taiwan independence' relies, laying a solid grassroots foundation for peaceful reunification.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1868700521264200/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.